#Workshop - March 21st @ 8PM: DIY Vodka Infusions

Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
I know I posted the ingredient list on the first page, but just in case anyone needs a refresher, here it is again.


To infuse your own vodka, you're going to need the following list of ingredients:

-Room Temperature Vodka (I typically do 3-5 infusions with 1 litre of vodka, but you can purchase smaller bottles if you're not going to use the excess.  You should have enough vodka to do fill whatever canister you're using 3/4 full.) 

-A resealable, airtight container.  Glass works well for this, so a mason jar would work fine; a glass display flask would also work well.  (I use these)

-Either a second resealable airtight container, or a container of similar size to your first container. 

-A large (room temperature) orange (For this infusion I'm going to use orange, but you should feel free to experiment with other flavors if you're not a fan of orange.)

-A cutting board and knife

-A funnel (preferably stainless steel as plastic can hold the flavor/odor of stronger ingredients)

-Coffee filters and/or a superfine food-safe strainer

03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
Unnnhhh we don't have Qdobas where I am, I'm so envious (though I will be having a burrito for dinner, sans guacamole.)
I just discovered them recently, like, last month, and it was actually my husband's idea to go there to eat. Low and behold their food is leagues better than Chipotle and of course light years above T-bell. I was really happy to find out there was one a few miles away from my place.
03/21/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
If we ever get a chance to meet, I'll make you my guacamole. It's really good, at least according to my friends. Unfortunately, the way I make it, it's really only good for the one day, but it's still delicious!
Does it have garlic in it? If so I'm so there.
03/21/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
The first step in your infusion creation is to prepare your work area; you're going to need a clean space with a cutting board and a sharp knife. When you've washed your orange, you're ready to go.

Depending on the size of your container, you're going to need to prepare the orange differently. If you're using a large-mouth mason jar, you can slice it in small sections, like so.




If the orange is too large for the jar, cut them in half or dice them as discussed in the next choice.


If you're using a narrow mouthed jar, you're going to need to dice the orange more finely. First, peel the orange completely and cut it into pieces small enough to easily fit into the jar—if you've got to squish the pieces in, you're going to have a difficult time getting it out, so make sure they're small enough.


That, for example, is too large.

For flavor, you can cut slivers of orange peel and insert them into the jar as well.


You'll want your container to be about 25-30% full of orange before liquor is added. Once your oranges have been put into your container, use the funnel to add the vodka. Fill the container nearly to the top, but leave a small amount of air, to prevent overflow. More air left in the jar means that the fruit will ferment and go bad faster. Please remember that your ingredients should be room temperature before beginning.








Any questions, so far?
03/21/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
I just discovered them recently, like, last month, and it was actually my husband's idea to go there to eat. Low and behold their food is leagues better than Chipotle and of course light years above T-bell. I was really happy to find out there ... more
I can't eat Taco Hell, just walking in there nauseates me! The closest Qdoba is like a hundred miles from me.
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
It's tiiiiimmme!


Hi, everyone!  I'll be your hostess for the evening, welcome welcome! 

Tonight, as I'm sure you know, we're going to be doing a workshop on infusing vodka.  



When I ... more
I'm going to ask you a persnickety question now, what's the best way to infuse vanilla?

(You can totally answer that later )
03/21/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
I'm going to ask you a persnickety question now, what's the best way to infuse vanilla?

(You can totally answer that later )
Vanilla alone, or with another flavour?
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Does it have garlic in it? If so I'm so there.
I try to add it, if not I always add some garlic powder. Not quite the same, but it doesn't seem to taste the same without it. I also add Worcestershire sauce (can't believe I spelled that right the first time around). It's surprisingly good.
03/21/2011
Contributor: Alys Alys
No questions yet!
03/21/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Not yet, professor.
03/21/2011
Contributor: Tuesday Tuesday
Let me ask a naive question. Does it taste different from mixing orange juice and vodka?
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
I can't eat Taco Hell, just walking in there nauseates me! The closest Qdoba is like a hundred miles from me.
They're hit or miss for me. I like their quesedillas, but they're so freaking tiny and not worth the money!
03/21/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
I try to add it, if not I always add some garlic powder. Not quite the same, but it doesn't seem to taste the same without it. I also add Worcestershire sauce (can't believe I spelled that right the first time around). It's surprisingly good.
Never thought of that. I might have to give it a shot myself.
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
Vanilla alone, or with another flavour?
Either or? I love vanilla, so to be able to add some vanilla to anything else I'm making is just awesome.
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
The first step in your infusion creation is to prepare your work area; you're going to need a clean space with a cutting board and a sharp knife. When you've washed your orange, you're ready to go.

Depending on the size of your ... more
So far so good
03/21/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
Either or? I love vanilla, so to be able to add some vanilla to anything else I'm making is just awesome.
We've used vanilla beans. Just slice them down the center first.
03/21/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by Tuesday
Let me ask a naive question. Does it taste different from mixing orange juice and vodka?
It does. I really like screwdrivers, which is part of why I'm focusing on orange for this. I've found that it makes the cocktail much smoother, and much more tasty, even if I do add orange juice after.

It has a lighter flavour, I've found, than just mixing it together, and it has more flavour tones.

Does that answer your question?
03/21/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
The first step in your infusion creation is to prepare your work area; you're going to need a clean space with a cutting board and a sharp knife. When you've washed your orange, you're ready to go.

Depending on the size of your ... more
What Vodka(s) do find to work the best?
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Never thought of that. I might have to give it a shot myself.
Definitely! The trick is to be careful of how much you add. Too little and you obviously can't really taste it, too much and now the whole thing tastes like Worcestershire, lol. When in doubt, obviously add less, because you can always add more
03/21/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
Either or? I love vanilla, so to be able to add some vanilla to anything else I'm making is just awesome.
I promise to come back to this at the end!
03/21/2011
Contributor: Tuesday Tuesday
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
It does. I really like screwdrivers, which is part of why I'm focusing on orange for this. I've found that it makes the cocktail much smoother, and much more tasty, even if I do add orange juice after.

It has a lighter flavour, ... more
Yes. Excellent answer.
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
We've used vanilla beans. Just slice them down the center first.
I'll keep that in mind for future diffusing
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
What Vodka(s) do find to work the best?
Ooh, good question!
03/21/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
I promise to come back to this at the end!
Sweet
03/21/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
What Vodka(s) do find to work the best?
I really like sobieski, but I've used Smirnoff and had good results, too. What vodka works the best for you will depend on what you like in a vodka; I like really smooth vodkas that mix well, which is why Sobieski is my pick. Any middle of the line vodka will work well, though.
03/21/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
BTW, DS, you're doing great.
03/21/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
I really like sobieski, but I've used Smirnoff and had good results, too. What vodka works the best for you will depend on what you like in a vodka; I like really smooth vodkas that mix well, which is why Sobieski is my pick. Any middle of the ... more
I would not know a top shelf Vodka from a bottom, thats why I ask.
03/21/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
BTW, DS, you're doing great.
Thanks
03/21/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
I would not know a top shelf Vodka from a bottom, thats why I ask.
There are actually some good bargains. Look of a list of vodka ratings and you should be able to find a good one for the price.
03/21/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
I would not know a top shelf Vodka from a bottom, thats why I ask.
Oooh. I can compile a list for you, if you'd like?
03/21/2011